Hero6 Black: Should We Crack for the New GoPro?

With a faster processor, better framerate, and the ability to shoot at higher frame rates, the GoPro Hero6 Black is a brilliant successor to the already gifted Hero5 Black.
Both models are virtually identical in other respects, which is not worse. Also, if you fall for the new Hero6, you can still use the accessories and batteries of the latter. Whether it's filming a family vacation, snorkeling in the Caribbean or capturing ski jumps, the GoPro Hero6 Black is an excellent Action Cam to capture all those moments.

SoWiseup

10

9

WE LOVE

Impressive image stabilization

The new touch zoom function

High-resolution images, video (4K, 60 fps)

Rendering images in low light

The slow ones

WE LIKE LESS:

Occasional problems when charging

Battery life remains unchanged

9.0 4.55

SAFE VALUE

GoPro has made notable improvements to its latest Action Cam, the Hero6 Black. In appearance, it looks identical to its predecessor, while incorporating a faster processor.

It now lets you record video in 4K at 60 frames per second, and shoot in Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 240 frames per second.

A-Zoom button appears, which means that you can get closer to the action by simply positioning the cursor to adjust the framing. Despite some small problems, the Hero6 is the best Action Cam of the moment.

Yes, for design

In appearance, the new GoPro has not changed one iota. This one is strictly identical to the Hero5, retaining the same dimensions of 6.2 x 4.5 x 3.2 cm and a weight of 118 grams only.

The housing is always waterproof up to 10 meters deep without the additional box. A protective shell is provided and is robust enough to survive one or two falls. On the other hand, taking the camera out of this housing is not easy because of a well-hung upper part.

Yes, for ease of use

Those who are used to the GoPro Hero5 Black will immediately find their marks. However, for the novice who has never touched an Action Cam, the touch screen of the Hero6 is not as intuitive as you might think.

Fortunately, a tutorial can discover the basics, which is very useful. Dragging from the bottom up allows you to access the menu to access settings and preferences.

This is where you access the Wi-Fi switch, the formatting tool of the microSD card or the changes to the settings. Swiping the screen from left to right provides access to the media. In reverse, you can access the automatic adjustment options such as low light management or wind noise, for example.

If the controls are responsive, scanning the media is not obvious with the tiny buttons that are displayed in the corners of the screen. However, once you control the controls everything goes in order and the camera is easily manipulated.

Yes, for the quality of the videos

The processor generally improves the performance of an Action Cam. In the case of the Hero6 Black, the GP1 chip designed by GoPro is much faster and is able to capture videos in 4K at 60 frames per second (fps).

This is a major novelty compared to the Hero5 which was limited to 4K at 30 fps. We thus benefit from much more fluid videos.

The slow-motion mode is also more impressive with now a Full HD mode (1920 x 1080 pixels) at 240 fps. For the record, the Hero5 was limited to an HD resolution of 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) at 240 ips.

In our videos shot, we can clearly see how fluid and clear are the images. Despite a bright sun, no overexposed plan is to deplore. The camera also manages light variations while also performing well in low light.

Digital image stabilization is considered one of the strengths of GoPro, and for good reason. Already impressive on the Hero5, it has improved again with the Hero6.

If the image jumps on the screen, it is not the camera that will have to blame, but indeed the cameraman. Better attach the GoPro to a helmet or pole than hold it in your hand. Thus, digital image stabilization is much more efficient. 4K videos are of excellent quality.

Yes for audio

Side sound, there are also improvements over previous models. The mics of the Hero6 are able to slightly suppress background noise such as wind or traffic around. On the other hand, an external microphone is always required for who wants to exploit more precisely the sound of this GoPro.

Yes, for applications

Controlling the camera through the mobile application is much more effective than doing it by hand. To do this, simply turn on the Wi-Fi connection while the application is running.

This gives access to all the features and settings available via the camera menu. In addition, the phone screen allows you to enjoy a more comfortable diagonal to preview the video.

Using GoPro Quik, it is possible to create slow-motion and perform an effective editing with a musical track. GoPro offers a simple and fast tool (hence its name) to share videos of the Hero6 on social networks.

Yes and no for Zoom

Although GoPro has removed some lower resolution and frame rate options, the Hero6 is catching up with a more convenient zoom feature. Rather than offering predefined zoom options like the Hero5, the Hero6 has a slider that allows you to choose the zoom level more precisely.

However, you must choose the type of angle (wide, linear, etc.) and adjust the zoom slider before starting recording. However, if this feature is effective with photos, this is not the case with videos.

Yes for 5 GHz Wi-Fi

The camera’s Wi-Fi has also been improved, allowing faster file transfers at 5 GHz. A good point especially for those who plan to shoot 4K videos whose files are necessarily larger.

Yes and no, for the autonomy of the battery

No change in the battery life of the Hero6 Black. This one is more or less the same as those of previous generations. During our test, we were able to record a 1440p video at 60 fps for about an hour. The new GoPro camera does not stand out from most cameras of this type on this point.

However, the autonomy of the Hero6 melts like snow in the sun when you use features such as voice control, GPS, and Wi-Fi. It is therefore wise to carry a battery backup and keep the charger at your fingertips.

Charging the battery takes less time than expected. By connecting the USB cable to a laptop, the Hero6 was operational again in less than three hours.

Note that charging is faster on a desktop computer or in an AC outlet. However, sometimes you have to shake the battery to start charging, a fault that has been reported by other users. In general, simply remove the battery and put it back in place so that everything comes back in order.